grinding starter

[mxguy132]

Hey,
I'm a newbie to owning a boat
I just bought a 2000 1900sc Maxum with a 5L mercruier I/O. I took it out for the first time today and the starter turns the motor over but sounds like its not fully engaging (grinding sound)
The guy I bought it off just put a the starter in it last year by a marine dealer and it didn't sound like it when i purchased it off him. I guess my question is..can you shim a starter like a car or do I have to replace the entire starter? Are marine starters loud to begin with?

btw, great forum.

thanks,
g

 

[water world]

Re: grinding starter

If the starter was replaced because of water in boat. Check for rust on flywheel.

 

[Bondo]

Re: grinding starter

I guess my question is..can you shim a starter like a car or do I have to replace the entire starter? Are marine starters loud to begin with?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...

Check to see if the bolts are loose 1st....
If not, take it off, 'n inspect where/ how it's wearing...

If it didn't need shims when installed, it shouldn't now...
'n No,.. Marine starters ain't any louder than any other starter...

 

[cdiamond]

Re: grinding starter

i've never seen a marine starter with shims
in over 25 years

 

[Bill_Alexander]

Re: grinding starter

Make sure the battery isn't low. If it gets under 12V the starter can do strange things.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: grinding starter

Also, be sure to check the outer hole on the block that the starter bolt threads into for cracks.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: grinding starter

Check the flywheel teeth,you may need a ring gear

 

[mxguy132]

Re: grinding starter

​

So I took the starter out last night.
I found out that the gear wasn't engaging on the starter all the way cause the bushing on the end of the stater shaft was off its clip. I snapped it back on and turns over great now.
Flywheel have a little rust but nothing out of the norm and the batt is at full charge. P

I have another newbie boat question.
When I put the antifreeze in for winterizing should I pull the 4 drain plugs in the manifolds after I do this so the antifreeze is only in the block of the moter and not sitting in the manifolds??

 

[Fishermark]

Re: grinding starter

Best to start a new post with your new question. You might also want to read the winterizing post at the top of the page where the "stickies" are.

Oh yeah - glad to hear your starter problem is fixed.... and thanks for sharing the result!